Questions about putting a dog down? (lab, vet, black, skin)
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I don't really think it is time, since my dog has been improving and now starting to eat and drink, but if the vet had her choice I would have put him down already I feel. Any advice?
You have not provided enough information to give you a very good response.
My only concern would be that you put the dogs need to be free from pain and suffering above your emotional need not to lose your dog. If the dog is not in pain and content, then keep it around. If the dog is in pain, but you are so attached you feel you can't let go, well, you need to do the right thing by the dog and let it go.
Pain and suffering are felt in animals too, and the dog is dependant on you to do the right thing for him/her.
He has been completely healthy for ten years. Black lab mix. I went to Florida for xmas and was gone three days and he got something because he was really weak and skinny. Went to emergency pet place for 48 hours and and while he was much improved after all the fluids they were worrried about his weight. Thought he was retaining fluids. He was in good spirits when I saw him and much improved so instead of putting him down right then I figured I would take him with me, since he seemed happy and pain free and he didn't want me to leave him. If I thought he would be in pain I would understand putting him down. But he is just low energy because he was infected with something and lost weight and with all the fluids he hasn't eaten too much. But he is getting better every day and he seems very comfortable.
From what you just described, he could have just been very upset you were gone and stopped eating and drinking, or he could have gotten some type of flu. If this is a one time thing, not tied to a cancer or other diagnosed disease, then I wouldn't even consider putting the dog down.
I have a Shar Pei Lab mix that is VERY attached to me. He always slows or stops eating and gets sick (diarhea, puking) when I leave for more than about three days (I rarely travel, but it's 100% when I do). This happens even when my wife stays home with him, so it is specific to my coming and going (he's a rescue, and we were together 24/7 the first six months I had him).
This may be a reaction to your travel. Something to consider anyway.
I don't really think it is time, since my dog has been improving and now starting to eat and drink, but if the vet had her choice I would have put him down already I feel. Any advice?
I am one who is willing and (luckily) able to spend a lot of money on my dogs. I always want to make sure I am giving them the best life possible. That being said, I don't want to just exhaust all options just because I can. Sometimes, it is best for the dog, to let him go in peace.
Because I trust my vet immensely, I always make sure to ask the question, "If he/she was your dog, what would you do"?
If your dog is feeling better, eating, drinking and seemingly pain free I see no reason to put him down. If you do think there are other problems a visit to your regular vet would be wise.
Why did the vet indicate he/she thought the dog should be put down? Why do you think they thought that was the best decision?
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